Staff
The Knights of Meaford are hosting a special charity fundraiser for the Touch of Taryn at their game on Saturday night.
The Knights host the New Tecumseth Civics at 7 p.m. at the arena. The team is hosting the Touch of Taryn charity game that evening. The team will be auctioning off custom jerseys, conducting a 50/50 draw to raise funds and selling Taryn’s sketchbook prints.
In November 2013, Taryn Hill died in a tragic fire in Thornbury. She was just 19 years old and left behind her daughter Payton. Last year, her family formed the Touch of Taryn to raise funds for local charity groups focused on domestic violence, extracurricular enrolment and grief support. Since starting in August 2017, Touch of Taryn has raised $11,000 for local organizations and charities.
“Taryn and I were rink rats. From babies into young adulthood we spent a significant amount of time at the arena watching our dad referee,” said Tierney Hill, Taryn’s sister. “One of our focuses is to ensure that essential resources are available to the citizens within our community. Our primary goal is to raise as much funds as possible for the Meaford Hospital Foundation on Saturday.”
Knights of Meaford Marketing Director Jason Acres said the evening will be a fun night for the whole family.
“We’re hoping to see a big crowd of all ages out for the game,” he said. “They will get to see some great hockey and help raise money for a great, local cause. Saturday is going to be a great night at the arena. As a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence, we ask everyone wear a piece of purple.”
The Knights players will all be wearing special jerseys with Taryn’s name across their backs. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game.
“With contributions from Leeky Canoe, Meaford Factory Outlet, Shoe Tree, Simply Unique, AM Contracting, The Knights of Meaford and the Municipality of Meaford, we hope to maximize donations and offer some fun and inventive ways to raise money,” said Tierney. “Coupled with raising funds is awareness and support – we will give everyone the opportunity on Saturday to sign the petition “Erase the Difference” and shed some light on the progression of the mental health sector.”
